John Melcher

John Melcher (6 September 1924 - 12 April 2018) was a US Senator from Montana (D) from 3 January 1977 to 3 January 1989 (succeeding Mike Mansfield and preceding Conrad Burns). He previously served in the US House of Representatives (D- MT 2) from 24 June 1969 to 3 January 1977(succeeding James Battin and preceding Ron Marlenee)

Biography
John Melcher was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended the University of Minnesota. He served in the 76th Infantry Division of the US Army in Europe during World War II. He suffered injuries Germany and was awarded Purple Heart among other other awards such as the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star. He received his degree from Iowa University in 1950. He established a veterinary clinic in Forsyth, Montana. In 1955, he was elected the Mayor of Forsyth. In 1960, Melcher was elected as a member of the Montana House of Representatives. In 1962, he became a member of the Montana Senate. In 1969, he won a special election to become the member of the US House of Representatives representing Montana. In 1976, he was elected to be the US Senator representing Montana, succeeding Democrat Mike Mansfield. He lost US Senate election in 1988 to Republican Conrad Burns.